News & Media

Size of restrictor plate to increase for Talladega race

Will add 7-10 horsepower; NASCAR also to reduce pressure on cooling system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR will implement two rule changes for the October Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.

The size of the restrictor plate that teams will use to prepare and practice for the race will increase by 1/64 inch and is now going to be 57/64-inch diameter. This will provide the teams with an additional 7-10 horsepower.

Additionally, the pressure relief valve on the cars' cooling system will be re-calibrated to reduce the pressure by approximately 8 pounds per square inch from this past April's race at Talladega.

"After the last few superspeedway races, we've heard many drivers express their desire to open up the size of the restrictor plate some and we thought the time was right to do that," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president, competition. "We anticipate these revisions in the rules package for Talladega will help continue to provide competitive and exciting racing for the fans."

NASCAR® and its marks are trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. RaceView® and Streak to the Finish™ are trademarks owned by Turner Sports, Inc. and used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

NASCAR.com is part of Bleacher Report – Turner Sports Network, part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Network.